IL SB0052

Amends Section 29-3 of the School Code to require school boards to provide free transportation for pupils residing 1.5 miles or more from their assigned school, with exceptions when adequate public transportation is available.

Distance is measured from the exit of the pupil's residence to the point where pupils are normally unloaded at school, using the shortest distance on normally traveled roads or streets.

Expands grounds for providing transportation to pupils within 1.5 miles of school when walking constitutes a serious safety hazard due to either vehicular traffic/rail crossings or a course or pattern of criminal activity as defined in the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

Establishes procedures for school boards to conduct safety studies upon written petition from parents, with the Illinois Department of Transportation reviewing findings on traffic/rail hazards and the State Board of Education (in consultation with local law enforcement) reviewing criminal activity findings within 30 days.

Provides immunity from legal action for school boards, state superintendent, Department of Transportation, State Board of Education, and local law enforcement agencies for decisions made under this section and exempts school districts organized under Article 34 from these amendments.